Cucurbitacins as potential anticancer agents: new insights on molecular mechanisms.

Abstract in brief

• Cucurbitacins are natural compounds primarily found in the plant family Cucurbitaceae, but also in other plants, fungi, and marine molluscs, which have shown potential as anticancer agents.
• Due to limited natural availability, researchers have focused on developing chemical synthesis methods to obtain cucurbitacins for research and potential drug development.
• Studies indicate that cucurbitacins exhibit diverse biological activities such as anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and anticancer effects, suggesting their promise for future clinical applications and the need for further comprehensive research.